By now, we’ve all probably watched that commercial about the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE for AT&T – you know, the one that aired during the Super Bowl. Sure, we get a good chuckle out of it, thanks to its over the top style, but when you overlook the theatrics and celebrity cameos, we find yet another casual instance of Samsung pitting its offering against Apple’s pride and joy. Storming onto the scene, the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE has proven itself as one captivating smartphone that’s very different from mostly everything else, but it’s going to take more than BIG talk to take away the iPhone’s grasp on the market, so let’s find out who these two titans in the smartphone world stack up against one another.

Design:

To put it bluntly, these two handsets couldn’t be any more different from one another, as size is undoubtedly the most prominent differentiator. On one side, we have the obnoxiously large size of the Galaxy Note LTE, which makes it impossible to use single handed – though, we have to admit that it’s so uncanny that it actually provides most of its wow factor. Conversely, the iPhone is more form fitting and comfortable to hold in the hand, while its top-notch quality choice of materials gives it that premium feel. We can argue which one has the better construction or killer design, but in an age where initial impressions have long lasting implications, the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE simply has that fresh appeal to snag the attention of people far and wide.

The Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (right) and the Apple iPhone 4S (left)

Even though we rarely had issues accidentally any of the Note’s capacitive buttons, it’s never a problem with the tactile physical home button of the iPhone 4S. Perched above their displays are their respective front-facing cameras, with the Note donning a higher count 2-megapixel snapper versus the VGA one of the iPhone 4S.

Buttons below the displays

Front-facing cameras

The Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (right) and the Apple iPhone 4S (left)

Exhibiting great responses and distinctive feels, we equally like the dedicated power buttons and volume controls of the two. Moving along to their connection ports, which are used for data connectivity and charging, they require the aid of an optional adapter to gain video-out functionality. Needless to say, we’re not fans of buying something extra to gain the function, but nevertheless, we’ve been accustomed to it by now.

Bottom edges

Left

Top

Right

The sides of the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (bottom) and the Apple iPhone 4S (top)

Power buttons

Volume rockers

Connection ports

Complementing their high-end status, both are outfitted with beefy 8-megapixel cameras with LED flashes, however, the iPhone 4S seems to be more photo-centric due to its F2.4 wide-angle lens and backside illumination. Previously, we would’ve complained about the iPhone’s lack of expandable memory and removable battery, but we’ve come to accept it. Well, it’s not to say we’re over it entirely, as the Note entices us with its beefy removable 2,500 mAh battery and microSD card slot.

Backs

Rear cameras

The Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (right) and the Apple iPhone 4S (left)

Display:

Arguably, we can dissect and mention the advantages between each handset’s display, but ultimately it’s our eyes that emphasize which is ultimately the more alluring one. On numerous occasions, and even now, we’ve always been enthralled by the 3.5” Retina display of the iPhone 4S, but it has become somewhat passé – but to its credit, it’s still perceived as a benchmark for everything else. Naturally, both deliver stunning detail as the iPhone 4S and Galaxy Note LTE offer high pixel densities of 330 ppi and 285 ppi respectively, but we cannot overlook the unnatural size of the Galaxy Note LTE. In the end, we’re attracted to it more due to its mind-boggling 5.3” footprint – plus, its saturated colors and sheer luminance rounds out things to complement its beauty.

posted on Feb 24, 2012, 6:29 AM 14

Posts: 2315; Member since: Jul 30, 2011

posted on Feb 24, 2012, 8:19 AM 5

Posts: 3131; Member since: Jan 12, 2010

I agree but I doubt VERIZON will pick up the Galaxy Note. They seem to be all in love with Motorola and they don't want to hurt the sales of the Galaxy Nexus. But yes I would pick up the Galaxy Note on Verizon in a heart beat.

posted on Feb 27, 2012, 3:18 PM 0

Posts: 425; Member since: Apr 01, 2011

posted on Feb 24, 2012, 8:04 AM 0

Posts: 2315; Member since: Jul 30, 2011

Haaa!!!! I had to read that title twice, then I laughed: 'vs' implies by definition competition. There is no competition here; iPhone 4S is a flip phone (with dediCated 911 shortcut button for seniors) next to that Galaxy Note. Damn, I have serious size envy, my RAZR™ is only 4.3". At least I can reach for my original Galaxy Tab whenever I'm feeling small (or, at least, as small as the iPhone 4S is right now).
Go Sammy, stomp all over that LiMiTed and tiNy iOS'd fliP phone.

posted on Feb 24, 2012, 9:25 AM 3

Posts: 2315; Member since: Jul 30, 2011

posted on Feb 24, 2012, 12:06 PM 1

Posts: 3991; Member since: Jan 04, 2012

I'd have to be paid to use an iphone, and very very well at that.
I'd use Verizon if someone paid for it, but I'd never willingly go there.
If I had to have Verizon, the Droid RAZR Maxx or Galaxy Nexus or LG Spectrum would be the only choices I'd consider.

posted on Feb 25, 2012, 3:59 AM 1

Posts: 4721; Member since: May 17, 2011

that thing that I note is that fandroids support that is Android and that's all.. not that is the Note itself... mentioning other devices when it should about the note and the iphone 4S only... but will leave it at that...

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